Hi to everyone,

I am in middle of my west coast ride. This has been my first tour and I knew very little before I started, but I am learning so much. The thing I have learned the most is this... I love touring. it is hard as heck sometimes, but the people I have been meeting on the way have restored my hope in the world. I live and work so much at home that finally getting out and seeing the world and who lives here has been amazing! The discovery I did not know was coming.

I just get up each day and pedal and someday I will be back at home. I love it so much. So that's it. I found this internet cafe to post this and also to thank all those that gave me advice along the way. The reality is this, you can discuss, saddles, tents and on..., but the trick is, just do it. I packed way too much, not enough of some things and too much of others. I'm learning. One thing I have to say... I love my LHT and I also love my tent, it's a copper spur 2 by big agnes. I stay so dry and it's so light.

Signing off for now.. I'll post pictures after I get home.

I know the feeling. I have taken a couple of weekend rides with friends, but last week did my first 6 day solo camping tour. Flexibility, enjoying the scenery and weather, not needing to be anywhere or do anything on time... My tent was great for the good weather but I think it would be too small if the weather got bad. It is truly a one person tent with no extra room for stuff.

Enjoy the rest of your journey.

Look forward to your pictures. I understand your feelings. My west coast tour was from south of San Francisco to near Malibu.. It was a great feeling. I particularly liked talking to fellow bike travelers at California state parks at night. They'd have a section set aside just for cycle tent people back then. ( their policy was, there is always space for a cyclist on tour no matter how full they were. ) We met many interesting people about the campsite on tour who we made friends with.. Cycle tourists recognize one another just while pedaling down the highway and stop to talk about their trips.. Congrats on having a fun tour. It is a rewarding experience.

Awesome tanslacks, I'm so happy for you!!!!

What a refreshing post! One thing you might want to be prepared for - a bit of a letdown when you get home. You'll go from one lifestyle to something completely different. I always miss being on the road when I return, even though it's great to be home and while I'm on tour I often think about what I'm missing. But, hey, no big deal; I have my memories, and I know I'll go touring again. One nice thing about bike touring is that, while it's expensive at first to accumulate all the stuff, once you have it you don't need to spend much money to tour, and good touring equipment will last for years. (Of course, you can also get obsessive about getting the best and latest stuff, and continue spending money. I've got stuff in my parts boxes in my shop that I've completely forgotten about - things I bought and decided not to use, spare parts, things I bought for a project that I put on hold, etc.)

The west coast was my first big tour, and though hard, it was one of the very best experiences of my life!

My trip is coming up some time soon I hope.I also have the Surly LHT 52cm.I have it all pack up it's just waiting for me to hit the road with it.Wife is not all that happy with me but then again she never is happy anyway.This could be the best thing for the both of us I will be out of her way and she will be out of my way too.It will give me time to think what I want to do next with my life.Not sure how long I will be gone and don't care either.I know it sounds bad but it's the way I feel at this time.Your trip sounds like you are having a ball.Good luck to you.

Agree 100%

I definitely experienced this after my Trans America.

Been there. It's not fun. Hope the tour clarifies things for both of you - I can't think of a better way to do that. Best of luck.

Tanslacks - you are hopelessly hooked. Congratulations, and enjoy that beautiful coastal weather.

I did the west coast trip 15 yrs ago, upper Oregon down to a bit below SF, fascinating change of sceneries. Dont know where you are but do be careful on the narrow upper California parts, lumber trucks etc.

great Nat or State Parks as I remember.

great thing with a good touring bike like a LHT, even replacing parts down the road, it will stay a really good bike for ages.

bon voyage

I'm so happy - -
Oh so happy - -
I'm so happy - -
And snappy
And gaaaaaaay!

Glad you is havin' a great time.

Great post Tanslacks! Don't forget to come back and let us know how the rest of the tour goes.